AI Gameplay Programmer

The Senior AI Programmer at Starbreeze leads the technical development of AI systems that make our game worlds feel alive, reactive and challenging. Combining deep AI programming expertise with strong gameplay sensibility, you work with considerable autonomy across the full development cycle - architecting enemy behaviours, decision-making frameworks and perception systems that define the quality and depth of the player experience in our multiplayer environment. The role is based in Stockholm., * Architect, implement and iterate on complex AI systems including enemy behaviours, perception, decision-making, navigation and group coordination, ensuring they are robust, scalable and performant in a multiplayer environment

• Act as the primary technical authority for AI programming, contributing to high-level design discussions and shaping the direction of AI systems from early concept through to live
• Collaborate closely with game directors, designers and other disciplines to ensure AI features are technically sound, creatively aligned and deliver compelling, believable gameplay experiences
• Identify and resolve complex and systemic AI issues across both development and live environments, ensuring robust, performant and maintainable solutions
• Define and evolve AI programming standards, architecture patterns and best practices, improving the quality and consistency of AI systems across the team
• Evaluate new AI techniques, tools, engine features and third-party solutions, making informed recommendations that advance both AI quality and production efficiency
• Mentor and support less experienced programmers, providing technical guidance on AI architecture, debugging practices and gameplay systems development

• Extensive experience as an AI or Gameplay Programmer in the games industry with multiple shipped titles, including at least one in a senior or lead capacity with a strong AI focus
• Expert-level proficiency in C++ with deep hands-on experience developing complex AI systems in Unreal Engine, including behaviour trees, EQS and navigation systems
• Strong understanding of AI programming concepts including finite state machines, goal-oriented action planning, perception systems and group AI behaviours
• Solid grounding in gameplay architecture, physics, animation integration and real-time performance optimisation in the context of AI
• Proven ability to drive AI features end-to-end with minimal guidance, from technical design through to final tuning and polish
• Excellent collaborator with the ability to communicate complex AI topics clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience with live service games, AI balancing and post-launch AI iteration is a strong plus
• Familiarity with performance profiling, optimisation tools and engine-level debugging is expected

• Flexible working hours, with core hours of 09:30-15:30 CET, to allow you to structure your day in a way that best suits you;
• 30 paid vacation days per year, plus an extra 5 paid days off, plus 1 paid moving day - all on top of public holidays, of course!
• A generous occupational pension via Nordnet, typically ~50% above the collective agreement standard;
• Private healthcare, life, and accident insurance;
• A wellness allowance of 5000 SEK per year towards your wellness; whether that's a gym membership, tennis lessons, yoga classes, or whatever else you do for you!
• Bike leasing through Lease a Bike, with the cost deduced tax free from your gross salary;
• A variety of fun events in office, from regular breakfasts and fika sessions, etc;
• And let's not forget our new office itself - in the centre of Stockholm near a variety of excellent restaurants, gyms, and bars for those Friday after-works!

Smarter Together - We utilise our diverse set of experiences, competences, and backgrounds to achieve the best results. Accountability - We are committed to delivering excellence, including holding ourselves and others accountable. We get sh*t done. Enable Creativity - We use fun, passion and play to explore new ideas and possibilities. Learn and Develop - When we fail we do it quick and make sure to learn from it. Asking for and giving feedback is part of our daily routine, Starbreeze is an independent developer, publisher and distributor of PC and console, targeting the global market. Housing the smash hit IP PAYDAY, Starbreeze develops games based on proprietary and third-party rights, both in-house and in partnership with external game developers. Starbreeze shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.